MBA Application
Deadlines for 2023-2024

MBA Application Deadlines

This year promises to be one of the most competitive in terms of the number of people applying for the MBA. While industries worldwide are struggling to adapt to the impacts of the global pandemic, more early career professionals are opting to seek refuge in higher education to increase their competitive advantage and reenter the job market when the economy is back on the upswing. 

But in order to get into the school of your dreams, it’s essential to understand the MBA application deadlines at various schools, as that will allow you to plan accordingly and ensure that you meet each stage of the process prepared. 

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the most important considerations regarding business school application deadlines, including the deadlines for MBA applications in the fall of 2021. We’ll also look at what happens if you happen to miss a deadline. 

Things to Know About MBA Admissions Deadlines

When you’re looking to get into a business school, MBA application deadlines can be daunting. Missing a deadline is probably one of the worst ways to eliminate yourself from consideration since it’s avoidable with thoughtful planning.

But at the same time, it’s important to understand that business school deadlines can vary greatly from school to school. In fact, each school has its own application process, which means that if you’re applying to multiple places, you have to manage different timelines and requirements for each one.

Because of that, staying organized throughout the entire process is a top priority. 

First, you should make a list of all the programs that you’re considering and their MBA application deadlines for fall 2021 and beyond. You’ll notice that most schools have multiple steps in the application process, and some are interdependent.

You should also give yourself plenty of time to meet the various MBA 2021 application deadlines since you might run into unexpected issues, such as prep for an exam retake or delays in a recommender letter.

If you want help with the MBA application deadlines for the 2021-2022 intake for a program, the experts at Fortuna Admissions can help guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you might have.

What Happens When You Miss an Admissions Deadline?

Missing MBA application deadlines is always stressful. Even though it does happen occasionally, it’s better to give yourself plenty of time and try to submit on time, as missing a deadline could potentially close the door to the MBA program you’re pursuing.

But what should you do if it happens anyway and you’re already late? 

Well, there are steps you can take that might allow you to apply anyway, even though you’re late. This includes submitting in round 2 or round 3 instead of round 1, as planned.

Depending on the type of deadline that you miss, the policy of the specific institution, and the circumstances of why you are late, you might be allowed to submit your application for consideration in a future application round. 

When you miss a deadline, your first step should be to carefully go through the MBA application timeline outlined by the school you’re considering. You may find that they have a way to apply even if you’re late for the admissions round you were aiming for. 

Otherwise, you can contact the school directly and make your case to a member of the admissions office. A sincere and thoughtful explanation (versus an excuse) can make the difference at decision time.  

Also, make sure to find out exactly what documents you need to submit, and what tests you need to take, as you don’t want to end up delivering an incomplete application. 

Application Components and Overall Process

If you want to give yourself the best chance of being accepted into a top MBA program, it’s crucial to not only know when are business school applications due but also have a solid understanding of the underlying process that goes into applying.

Let’s look at some of the steps you will need to go through. 

• First, you will need to take a GMAT, GRE, or similar test to assess your skills and knowledge that will be necessary as an MBA student. Few candidates get their desired score on the first try, so significant prep time is a must.
• Then, you will need to start looking at specific schools that you want to apply to, figuring out which schools would best suit your needs based on your career goals and other key factors.
• Once you compile a list of schools, you’ll need to narrow down the list by doing thoughtful school research, including speaking with the MBA program’s representatives or visiting the campus.
• After identifying which schools to focus on, you can start crafting your written application documents including bio data forms, MBA essays, resume, and letters of recommendation. 
• This process includes significant introspection on your short- and long-term career goals, unique differentiators, and other narrative elements such as video essays. 
• Finally, after successfully submitting your complete application, your goal is to be invited to participate in an MBA admissions interview, which is among the deciding factors for your fit with the program. 

Because there are so many steps in the process, it’s better to start as early as possible. And if the program you’re considering has multiple rounds, you should try to get in as early as possible, as that will offer you the best chance of being accepted.

However, since round 2 MBA application deadlines are usually significantly later than round 1, it can give you more time to prepare the best application possible, which can help increase your chances of being accepted.

Never Miss a Deadline

Applying to a business school program is a lengthy process, which is why meeting MBA application deadlines isn’t easy. 

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to get help from the top MBA admission consultants at Fortuna Admissions. If you want to learn more about what we can offer, schedule a free consultation.